Golden Saints are a humanoid species of Daedra who serve as Sheogorath's personal army of Mania. They are also referred to as Aureals: "That's what we call ourselves. The most loyal and honorable servants of Sheogorath." Despite their name, they have little love for the mortal inhabitants of the Shivering Isles; they are quick tempered, short of patience, and are quick to administer cruel and harsh punishments. They view all in the Isles as inferior, and make no effort to hide this in their interactions.

They are matriarchal, tending to look down upon all males. Even male Golden Saints consider themselves and other males to be lesser. Females are more prominent in the Isles, which could mean there are fewer males.

They are rivals with the Dark Seducers, or Mazken, and have been known to combat them on occasion, as seen at Cylarne during The Cold Flame of Agnon. They have a very low opinion of Dark Seducers: "The treacherous ones: the Dark Seducers of ill-repute, whose every action drags Sheogorath's holy name through the mud." In turn, the Dark Seducers think the Golden Saints are delusional: "Our rivals. The so-called Golden Saints. One day, Sheogorath will finally recognize their bull-headed stupidity and expel them from the Realm." They may be not too far off, as Golden Saints will utter the following on the subject of Sheogorath: "Sheogorath rules the Shivering Isles. We, the Aureal, are His favored soldiers, the most perfect expression of His might."

Their base is at Brellach, where Sheogorath placed a wellspring from which they are able to enter and live in his realm in order to serve him. Upon the subject of the Shivering Isles, they will explain their duty: "The domain of the Prince of Madness, Sheogorath. We Aureal are tasked with defending this realm against the lesser beings that would destroy it."

Most of the Golden Saints are related to the Shivering Isles' Main Quest. Some Golden Saints can be found serving as guards in Bliss of New Sheoth: "New Sheoth is the capital of the Shivering Isles. We Aureal guard Bliss, the Manic district of the city.". They generally do not have specific names. There are only six Golden Saint female names known: Chuna, Kaneh, Desha, Issmi, Staada and Zudeh; and only one male name: Mirel.

For more information on Golden Saints, read the book Saints and Seducers. Golden Saints previously appeared in Morrowind, where they were the highest-level summonable creature.

All Golden Saints have ranks. In theory, there are seven ranks. Only three ranks are used in-game, however. The ranks are as follows:

Auren

Auredel

Aurmok

Aurmokel

Aurig

Malaurig

Pelaurig

Most Golden Saints are ranked at Auren. From this we can assume this is equivalent to a soldier. Only two other ranks are used: Aurig (Aurig Desha) and Pelaurig (Aurmazl Zudeh and two Auredels), who serve as Officers.

Golden Saints have their own type of heavy armor; a Golden Saint Armor and Golden Saint Helmet. Most wear a leveled version of these. Golden Saints of a higher rank wear an Officer helmet, which is statistically identical but has a distinct appearance: it has a purple gem on a black visor. Many also carry Golden Saint Shields.

A set of Golden Saint armor can be obtained at the conclusion of the quest "The Helpless Army", if the player is the Duke/Duchess of Dementia.

All Golden Saints will be able to cast a powerful Restore Health spell. In addition they will also cast one randomly selected powerful Destruction spell. The effect is randomly determined from the following list while the strength of the spell is randomly based on the Saint's skill level. The possible effects are:

Few Golden Saints will be able to cast a different (Mage) set of leveled spells: a major Alteration spell, 1 major and 1 minor Destruction spell and a major Restoration spell. The possible effects for each school are:

† These effects are listed twice in the leveled list and are therefore more likely to be chosen
‡ Similarly to the effects above, this effect is listed three times in the leveled list
†† Similarly to the effects above, this one appears four times in the leveled list and is also more likely to be chosen

There are two identical guards in the House of Mania. Both on seeing and greeting you, they will welcome you: "Welcome to the House of Mania." During the quest Addiction, you can ask them about the Chalice of Reversal in particular: "The Chalice is one of the Duke's prized possessions. He has been at a loss without it." Two similar identical guards can be found wandering in the Halcyon Conservatory. Upon seeing you, they'll welcome you: "Welcome to the Halcyon Conservatory." Upon greeting you, they'll explain: "Feel free to take what you need. The fruits of the conservatory are for all to enjoy."

There are two Golden Saints Guards in the Duke's Quarters. They will be patrolling there all day long. Initially, entering the Duke's Quarters is considered trespassing. You won't be given a warning, so should you get caught, you gain a bounty of 5 gold immediately. If you've become the Duke/Duchess of Mania, the Duke's Quarters are free for you to enter.

There are four Golden Saints in the Greenmote Silo, which you will encounter during the Ritual of Mania. You can only enter the Greenmote Silo during and after this quest. However, entering the Silo is considered trespassing. Just like the Guards in the Duke's Quarters, you will get a bounty of 5 gold if they catch you.

You may find an Aurgezel escorted by a common Guard patrolling around Mania. Their journey starts and ends at the Mania Gates of Madness, with Bliss, Highcross, Split and Hale being the intermediate stops. The Aurgezel, seeing she has a special title, wears an Officer Helmet.

There are two identical guards guarding the entrance to Brellach. Attempting to talk to them will be to no avail: "No mortal may enter the halls of Brellach." If you are a Duke/Duchess, they will be more polite: "Forgive me, Your Grace, but you are not permitted to pass within Brellach." Even after having finished the Main Quest as Duke/Duchess of Mania, they will deny you entry: "Lord, you know that Brellach is ours and ours alone. You may not enter." You may only enter during and after The Helpless Army, provided you're the Duke/Duchess of Dementia, at which point they will be disabled.

When you arrive at Cylarne, you'll find Aurmazl Kaneh and Mirel guarding the Altar of Rapture together with five other Golden Saints. These Golden Saints won't leave their post until Aurmazl Kaneh orders them to. During The Cold Flame of Agnon, they will eventually attack the Dark Seducers guarding the Altar of Despair. You can ask them some information. If you ask them about the Flame of Agnon, they'll explain: "The Flame is only lit at the command of Sheogorath, from the Altars of Rapture and Despair within the Shrine itself. I'm sure the Aurmazl Kaneh will be glad to help you once the Mazken are driven from the Altar of Despair." (this will unlock topics Kaneh, Altar of Rapture, Altar of Despair, Mazken). You can then ask them about Kaneh: "She commands the Aureals here at Cylarne. She has just arrived with reinforcements from Brellach to end this stalemate once and for all." (this unlocks topics Brellach and Aureals). When you ask about Brellach, they'll explain: "Our home and sanctuary here in the Shivering Isles." Asking about the Altar of Rapture, you may get two answers. If you're close enough to the altar itself, they'll say: "It is just there, at the top of these steps. You would pray for the blinding ecstasy which is the ultimate reward for those in Sheogorath's service?"; otherwise: "It is on the east side of Cylarne, which we hold for Lord Sheogorath. The Aurmazl Kaneh has her command post there." If you ask them about the Altar of Despair, they'll explain: "Alas, we have not seen the Altar of Despair for many years. It is in the underground part of Cylarne, which is controlled by the Mazken. The Mazken do not even allow us free passage to worship there, which is one of the many reasons why they are unfit to continue to guard it." If you chose to help out Aurmazl Kaneh and all the Dark Seducers have been killed, the surviving Golden Saints will pray at the Altar of Despair as Aurmazl Kaneh sacrifices herself. After the sacrifice, they will wander the cell.

If the Golden Saints took over Cylarne, four identical Saints will be stationed outside Cylarne. They will never leave their post (unless provoked). In this case, any Golden Saint may now thank you upon seeing you from this point on: "Cylarne is ours at last, thanks to you." or "The Mazken no longer defile holy Cylarne, thanks to you."

Provided you are the Duke/Duchess of Mania, four Male Golden Saint Soldiers are present, together with Aurig Desha, at Passwall in The Fringe during Retaking The Fringe. When you arrive, they will fight off several Knights of Order. When the battle is over, Aurig Desha will run up to you. If you manage to talk to one of the Soldiers at this point, they will point you to Aurig Desha: "Your Grace! We didn't expect you here. Aurig Desha is in command. You should speak with her." As Aurig Desha expects a second wave of Knights, she gives you two choices: you can decide whether she will position the Soldiers, or you handle the positioning yourself. If you let Aurig Desha give the orders, she lets three Soldiers equip a waraxe, and one equip a bow.

If you greet them they will express their dedication: "We will keep fighting until the last of us is dead." If you decide to position them yourself, you can give three different orders to every individual Soldier. In this case, apart from the latter greeting, they may also say: "Yes, Your Grace?" or "What orders would you give me, Your Grace?" At this point, you can ask them some information. When you ask about Passwall, they will tell you: "Passwall has served as an outpost for our defense of the Realm for millennia." If you ask about the Spire, they'll point you towards Aurig Desha: "It seems to be the source of their power. Aurig Desha may know more."

If you bring up the orders, they will either say: "Where shall I stand, your Grace?", "If your tactics are as bold as your words, we may live through this next attack.", "Aurig Desha is wise. Duke or not, who are you to doubt her strategy?" (male or not), or "At least you are a woman. I would hate to be lead to my death by some foolish male." (if you're female). They will position themselves depending on what order you give them. The orders you can give are as follows:

A Soldier with a waraxe

A Soldier with a bow

1. "Ready your bow and head to the rear."

"Yes, Your Grace." (First Soldier)

"Affirmative. They will fall before my arrows." (Second Soldier)

"My arrows will cut them down." (Third Soldier)

"My aim will be true." (Fourth Soldier)

2. "Ready a sword and outflank them."

"Yes, Your Grace." (First Soldier)

"Affirmative. They will fall before my sword." (Second Soldier)

"They shall fall before my blade." (Third Soldier)

"My sword shall strike true." (Fourth Soldier)

3. "Ready an axe and hold your ground."

"Yes, Your Grace." (First Soldier)

"Affirmative. None shall break the line." (Second Soldier)

"I shall be an unbreakable wall." (Third Soldier)

"None shall pass." (Fourth Soldier)

When you've told Aurig Desha you're ready, don't try to talk to them: "The battle is upon us, this is no time for talk." When the next wave of Knights are dead, they may show relief when you greet them: "Perhaps this time we will have more than a few moment's rest."; or quite the opposite: "Every time it gets quiet, they come back stronger and in greater numbers." After Aurig Desha suggests that you investigate Xeddefen, they will do the same upon greeting you: "Head to Xeddefen, Your Grace. We will hold this position."; or wish you luck: "May the light and your mother's grace guide you to Xeddefen and the means to topple this menace."

When you've returned from Xeddefen after having shut down the Obelisk, they will be surprised upon greeting you: "You've survived! It is a miracle! Hail the warrior Duke of Mania!" (male or not), "By the light, how did you make it out of there?" or "Only a true warrior could have accomplished this task. The Aureals shall sing your story for eons to come."

At that point they will split up and spread over The Fringe. When you've completed the quest, they may greet you with: "There are still Knights of Order in the area. I fear that this occupation will not recede until the war is over.", "War has come to the Shivering Isles at last. We stand ready to protect these lands.", "Things are still quiet at Xeddefen, Your Grace. However, we are still finding the smaller Obelisks.", or "Your victory at Xeddefen was well won, but the war still carries on." They may also comment on Sheogorath's disappearance until after any point you've talked to Dyus: "Sheogorath has vanished? He proves his cowardice! Leaving us here to die at the hands of Order."

After having reported to Sheogorath you rebuilt the Gatekeeper, provided you're the Duke/Duchess of Dementia, a Golden Saint Messenger will run up to Sheogorath starting The Helpless Army: "Lord Sheogorath! I apologize for the intrusion, but you must help us! Order has attacked Brellach and routed us!"; after which Sheogorath will ask you to go help out. If you greet the Messenger, she will express concern: "Your Grace, there is trouble! You must come quickly!"; after which you can ask who she is: "A messenger, sent by Issmi. You must go to Brellach at once! We are under attack!"; or you can ask her what you can do: "Our stronghold at Brellach is under attack! The forces of Order broke in and routed us! You must go to Issmi at once and aid her!". At this point, you can ask some information. When you ask her about Issmi, she will explain: "She has taken up control of what little force we have left. She waits for you outside Brellach. Please hurry. There's not much time." If you ask her about Brellach, she will fearfully explain: "It is our home, our sanctuary in the Shivering Isles. If we were to lose it... my kind would be doomed." She is essential and wears a Golden Saint Armor and Golden Saint Helmet of Iron quality.

Once you arrive at Brellach, you'll see Issmi with two Golden Saint Warriors. If you manage to talk to one of them before Issmi reached you, they will say: "Your Grace, Issmi has been waiting for you. Please speak with her." They will follow Issmi at all times after you've talked to her, confirmed when attempted to be talked to at this point: "I follow Issmi, your Grace. If she follows you, then so do I." When fighting in Brellach, any Golden Saints may shout out the following: "Brellach will be cleansed!", "Brellach is ours!" or "Fall before me, scum!" Provided they've survived, as you enter the Hall of Devotion, they will temporarily die, and will be revived once you restore the Wellspring. At that point, you may find them praying at the Wellspring.

If, however, one or both of the Golden Saint Soldiers mentioned above die before reaching the end of Hall of Honor, there will be one or two male Golden Saint Soldiers at the end of the hall to serve as replacement. In case you lost a Soldier, after the last Knight of Order has been killed, a male Soldier may walk up to you and say: "I am all that is left. The others were struck down by Order. How did this happen? I know I am only a lowly male, but I am at your service. Shall I follow you into battle?"; after which you can tell him to follow you: "As you command.", or tell him to wait: "As you wish. I shall attempt to hold this area until you return.", after which he will wander the area. In case you lost both Soldiers, two males will show up. The first greeting will be slightly different: "We are all that are left. The others were struck down by Order. How did this happen? I know we are but lowly males, but we are at your service. Shall we follow you into battle?"; after which you can tell them either to follow, or wait: "As you wish. We shall attempt to hold this area until you return.", after which they will wander the area. After the first greeting, they will ask for your orders the next: "What are your orders?". After having freed Staada, you can ask for some information. If you ask about the about the Wellspring, they'll explain: "The Waters of Oblivion lead us to the Wellspring, where Lord Sheogorath has given us a place to return to His service." If you ask about Brellach, they'll explain: "Brellach is our stronghold. It is our place of refuge in this Realm." If you bring up Thadon, they will express their anger: "Our own Duke, aligned with the forces of Order? An infuriating thought! He will suffer greatly at the hands of Lord Sheogorath." Provided they've survived, as you enter the Hall of Devotion, they will temporarily die, and will be revived once you restore the Wellspring. They don't wear a helmet.

* Because you're only supposed to have two followers, the latter two Soldiers won't show up. The only way to let them show up is if the first two male Soldiers would die, but since they can't die before they are spawned, the last two Soldiers will never show up.

There are four identical dead Golden Saint Warriors who will be revived once you restored the Wellspring. One will be found in the Hall of Honor, and three in the Font of Rebirth. Once revived, the three latter will start praying at the Wellspring. Before having talked to Staada at this point, they, and the Golden Saints mentioned above involved in the quest, will humbly greet you: "I exist to serve, Your Grace.", or "Your Grace must assist us, or we could be lost to this Realm." At any time, you can ask them and the previous Saints mentioned above about several topics. If you ask them about the Wellspring, they'll thank you: "Your Grace has restored the Wellspring, and saved us. For this, we thank you." They'll also have the same topics available as the previous Saints. They wear a Golden Saint Armor of Iron quality, but with a leveled Golden Saint Helmet.

As soon as you immersed the Incomplete Staff of Sheogorath in the Font of Madness, provided you're the Duke/Duchess of Mania, a Golden Saint will run up to you and reports that Aurmazl Zudeh requests your assisstance: "My Lord! Aurmazl Zudeh sent me to find you. She requests your immediate assistance."; starting The End of Order. You can ask her what she wants: "I don't know, My Lord. She only said it was a matter of the gravest import to the security of the Realm." If you imply Zudeh isn't to give you any orders, she will humbly apologize immediately: "Please accept my pardon, Lord, if I gave you such a false impression. The fault is entirely mine. The Aurmazl merely wants you to know that matters of the gravest import to the Realm's security may be at stake. If it please my Lord, she requested also that I inform you that time is of the essence, in her humble opinion." After having spoken to Aurmazl Zudeh and you've entered the New Sheoth Palace district, you can order her to follow you, or attack a particular Obelisk. As all other Golden Saints and Dark Seducers still standing in the district, she will die when Jyggalag appears.

Two identical Golden Saint Auredels will spawn near the entrance to Bliss in the New Sheoth Palace district. As they are of a higher rank, they will wear the Officer Helmet. You can order them to follow you, or attack a particular Obelisk. As all other Golden Saints and Dark Seducers still standing in the district, they will die when Jyggalag appears.

Three identical Golden Saints, and two identical Golden Saints will spawn near the entrance to Bliss in the New Sheoth Palace district. You can order them to follow you, or attack a particular Obelisk. As all other Golden Saints and Dark Seducers still standing in the district, they will die when Jyggalag appears.

There is Golden Saint initially following you as you enter the New Sheoth Palace district. Interestingly, a new copy of her will be spawned if she gets killed. You can order her to follow you, or attack a particular Obelisk. As all other Golden Saints and Dark Seducers still standing in the district, she will die when Jyggalag appears (and will not respawn at that point).

When you get thrown in the dungeon by a Golden Saint, you will end up in Aichan. When you try to escape, you'll encounter the Golden Saint Turnkey, guarding the evidence chest at the end of the dungeon. She will attack you on sight. Fleeing may be difficult once she's seen you, as she will hunt you down, even outside Aichan. It is possible to charm her to the point you can yield to her. She will respawn each time you get thrown in jail.

The Golden Saint Escort next to the throne will be available when you've finished the Main Quest. As you greet her, she will offer to escort you: "You wish an escort, Lord?" If you agree, she'll say: "Of course, sire." If you refuse, she'll say: "As you wish. I stand at the ready." After having agreed, she will greet you with: "Shall I continue with you, Lord?"; after which you can tell her to follow: "By your command.", wait: "I stand at the ready, sire." or dismiss her. She will escort you even if her counterpart is escorting you, and doesn't seem to mind doing so. Therefore it's safe to say that she deems you much more important than the rivalry with the Dark Seducers. She will follow you anywhere in the Shivering Isles, but will not follow you through the gate back to Cyrodiil. If you fast travel, it may take her a while to catch up to your new position; waiting will give her time to catch up to you. If you are in combat and cannot wait, she will be coming, and may arrive before the battle concludes.

When Haskill tells you either Hale, Highcross or Split is being attacked, you can ask him to send guards: "As you wish, My Lord. I'll see that a contingent of Golden Saints is sent to the settlement.", after which four identical Escort look-alikes will be sent to the settlement being attacked.

There is one dead Golden Saint outside and ten dead Golden Saints inside Brellach (five in the Hall of Honor and five in the Hall of Reverence), all identical, during The Helpless Army. As they are marked as 'Quest Items', their bodies will never disappear.

Most Golden Saints share the same dialogue lines; although unlike most NPC dialogue, they depend on location or quest progress. No Golden Saints, whether named or not, have the persuasion option available in their dialogue menu.

Upon seeing you, they may express their directness:

"Speak, citizen."

"Speak quickly, mortal."

As well as greeting you:

"Speak quickly."

Provided you haven't finished the Main Quest, their "goodbye" will always be the same short and cold line:

"Go."

You may see citizens of Bliss attempting to converse with a guard, to no avail:

"The Aureal do not waste time chatting with mortals."

"Away, mortal. I haven't time for your chatter."

"Cease your prattling."

"Do not bother the Aureal with your petty conversation."

"Leave me, mortal. Your words hold no meaning for me."

If you catch them talking to each other, the conversation won't last very long:

"Speak, sister." (female to female)

"Speak, dog." (female to male)

"Speak, brother." (male to male)

"I am honored, mistress." (male to female)

When attacking, they may shout one of the following:

"For Sheogorath!"

"For the Madgod!"

"Kneel before the Saints!"

"E'Tah Aureal!"

When you've become the Duke/Duchess of Mania/Dementia, they will show manners for once. They may say one of the following upon seeing you:

"Your Grace." (Duke/Duchess of Mania)

"Hail, Duke/Duchess of Dementia." (Duke/Duchess of Dementia)

"Madgod's blessings, Your Grace." (Duke/Duchess of Dementia)

"The Saints stand strong, Your Grace." (Duke/Duchess of Dementia)

After you've finished the Main Quest, they show far greater manners. They may say one of the following upon seeing you:

"Hand over your stolen property, lawbreaker! If only you could afford to pay reparations... too bad, it's the dungeon for you."

You can either:

Pay gold

"Come with me. You'll be searched for stolen property, then released." (if their disposition is higher than 50)

"A coward as well as a criminal. Very well, perhaps I'll have a chance to test your mettle another day. You'll come with me, and you'll be searched for stolen property and pay reparations. Then, you're free to go."

"Let no one say Lord Sheogorath's justice is without mercy." (if their disposition is 50 or higher)

"The coward's way out. So be it."

If a Guard somehow catches you at The Fringe, you can only resist arrest:

"The Fringe is outside Lord Sheogorath's mercy... but not his justice."

If you are the Duke/Duchess of Mania/Dementia, they will be more polite upon catching you after having committed a crime:

"Your Grace, you have committed a crime. Only the Lord Sheogorath is above the laws of this Realm. You must return any property that does not belong to you. Now, will you serve your sentence in the dungeon, or pay reparations?"

If, in this case, you don't have enough gold to pay off your bounty, they will say the following:

"My pardon, Your Grace, but Lord Sheogorath's justice applies to all within His Realm. You must return any stolen items. I regret that I have no choice but to escort you to the dungeon, as you are short of the required reparations."

You can either:

Pay gold

"Please come with me, Your Grace. According to the law, any stolen property must be handed over, then you're free to go."

Resist arrest

"Then I have no choice but to use force. Our orders come from Lord Sheogorath himself." (Duke/Duchess of Mania)

"Dementia is not outside the reach of my Lord's justice, whatever you may think." (Duke/Duchess of Dementia)

Or go to jail

"Thank you for your cooperation in this unfortunate matter, Your Grace."

Contrary to what guards may say to Dukes/Duchesses, even after having finished the Main Quest, a guard may run up to you after you've committed a crime:

"I'm sorry to bother you, Lord, but there seems to have been a misunderstanding. A small token of your appreciation might clear this up, or perhaps it's better if we leave at this time."

If, in this case, you don't have enough gold to pay off your bounty, they will say the following:

"My Lord, it seems there has been some misunderstanding. Ordinarily, we could clear this up with a token payment, but under the circumstances, the peace of the Realm requires that I escort you away."

Your options are slightly different in this case:

"Pay reparations"

"Very good, My Lord. As you know, I must also take any items that might be considered stolen, in order to preserve the peace and justice of the Realm. Please, follow me, and we'll have this matter cleared up in no time."

"Go with guard" (where you will be put in front of a small unmarked structure north of Bliss in Mania)

"Thank you for your understanding, My Lord. I am required by Your own command to ask You for any items You may have inadvertently borrowed. Now, follow me, and we'll find a quiet place away from all this trouble. I trust you will clear up this matter in your own time, in your own way."

Or "Fight Guards"

"As you wish, My Lord. I will be honored to test myself in battle against You!"